Even with oil prices falling as fast as Bush's approval rating, there's no question but that the world demand for petroleum-based energy sources is going to continue to increase at an unsustainable rate. Also, during the recent election, the Republicans made the surprisingly intelligent statement that we shouldn't be sending billions of bucks to countries who not only hate us but spread terrorism. (You know who they are.)
On the other hand, the U.S. could put oil rigs on every possible site we control, and we wouldn't see an ounce of oil for ten years or more. Oh, say they the elephants, but it'd send a clear message to the oil producers that America is not to be trifled with. Sure, our puny percentage of recoverable oil is going to strike fear and loathing into their hearts.
But in the waning days of the Bush Empire, the minions of the man from Texas have been hard at work using executive orders to eviscerate environmental laws, and, today, announced a major effort to increase drilling for oil and gas on sensitive public lands. The Washington Post's front page sported a charming story about drilling near some of the most spectacular natural sites Utah has to offer.
"It's possible to drill in environmentally sensitive areas in safe ways," says White House spokesman Tony "I Am Not A Shill" Fratto.
The article notes that "Environmental activists said oil and gas drilling on the 210 remaining parcels could jeopardize air quality and other natural features of some of the country's most treasured national parks, such as Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, along with the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Dinosaur national monuments."
I fully admit I know as much about the improvements in drilling technology as I do about hair restoration claims, but there is one thing I do know:
Don't screw up Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef!
I've been to those places, walked in wonder through Arches National Park, stood upon a high hill and looked into the magical mazes of Canyonlands (and someday hope to go back and get lost in them,) and stood in awe of Capital Reef.
You can put a value on a barrel of oil, but you can't put a value on an aesthetic or spiritual experience that arises when in the presence of one of nature's most extraordinary experiments. I'm not a religious person but sitting on a rock in Arches simply taking in the sights and sounds of this desert masterpiece is a spiritual experience. If we could get all the warring people in the world to spend a couple of hours there together, they'd all come out holding hands and singing "Michael Row The Boat Ashore." (O.k., so I exaggerate...for a good cause.)
Bush has no right to pull this nonsense so close to the end of his reign. At the same time, if the oil and gas companies could prove, really demonstrate to neutral experts that they could drill in these places without screwing them up and, most important, when they're done, leaving them in exactly the same condition as when they found them, I might reluctantly agree...that is if someone gives me a vote or a voice in the matter.
So drill. It's going to take decades for us to figure out reasonable alternatives to our oil-dependent economy but while you're drilling, leave the babies healthy and happy. They're just as valuable...if not more...than the glob or gas you're going to suck from the earth.
Curmudgeon-At-Large
In Jameson Veritas
Technorati Tags: Bush, oil, natural gas, Utah, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, drilling, environment
